How to Study International Relations in Austria

International relations in Austria can be studied at bachelor’s or master’s level, depending on your background. Some programmes are taught in English, others in German, and the exact admission rules depend on the university and the degree level.

This guide gives you a practical starting point: what is usually required, what costs to expect, and how to check the official sources before you apply.

What you can study

In Austria, international relations is often offered as a full degree, a specialisation inside political science, or a related programme in international studies, development, or European studies.

• Bachelor’s level: usually for students finishing secondary school. Some programmes are broad and include politics, economics, law, and languages.
• Master’s level: usually for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as political science, international studies, law, economics, history, or social sciences.
• Related options: you may also find programmes in diplomacy, global governance, European affairs, or area studies.

Always check the programme page on the university site. The exact title and content can vary a lot.

Typical admission requirements

Admission is not the same at every university. The most common requirements are a school leaving certificate for bachelor’s study, or a relevant first degree for master’s study. Many universities also ask for proof of language skills and may review your academic fit.

• For bachelor’s study: a secondary school diploma that gives access to university in your home country. Some universities may ask for proof that the diploma also allows you to enter a similar programme there.
• For master’s study: a completed bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Some programmes want a certain number of credits in political science or social sciences.
• Language proof: English-taught programmes often ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. German-taught programmes usually ask for German proof such as ÖSD, TestDaF, or Goethe certificates.
• Documents: transcripts, diploma or degree certificate, passport, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes references or a writing sample.

If your documents are not in German or English, you will usually need certified translations. Some universities also ask for legalisation or apostille. Check the admissions page carefully.

English-taught options

Austria has English-taught programmes, especially at master’s level. Bachelor’s programmes are more often in German, but there are exceptions.

Before you apply, check three things:

• The teaching language: some degrees are fully English, some are partly English, and some have mixed language requirements.
• The entry language level: universities usually list the minimum test score they accept.
• The country of instruction: even if the programme is in English, you may still need German for everyday life, internships, or some electives.

If you want to study in English only, search the university’s programme database and the admissions office pages. Do not assume that a programme with an international name is fully English.

Tuition and other costs

Tuition in Austria depends on your citizenship, the university type, and the study level. Public universities usually have lower tuition than private institutions, but the rules differ.

• EU/EEA students: public universities often charge low semester fees, but you should still check for administrative or student union fees.
• Non-EU students: public universities often charge higher tuition than for EU/EEA students, but the exact amount varies by university and status.
• Private universities: fees are usually much higher and can differ widely by programme.

For current amounts, check the university’s tuition page. Do not rely on old blog posts, because fee rules can change.

Living costs also matter. In cities like Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, or Salzburg, you should plan for rent, food, local transport, health insurance, books, and personal spending. A realistic monthly budget for a student often starts at a few hundred euros for basic living costs, and can be higher in bigger cities or if you rent alone. Check current housing and insurance costs before you move.

Application timeline and process

Start early. For international students, the process often takes months because of document collection, translations, and visa steps.

• 6 to 12 months before: choose programmes, check entry rules, and compare tuition and living costs.
• 4 to 8 months before: prepare your language test, diploma copies, translations, and motivation letter.
• 2 to 6 months before: submit your application, depending on the university deadline.
• After admission: arrange housing, health insurance, and, if needed, a residence permit or student visa through the official Austrian immigration or embassy channel.

Deadlines are not the same everywhere. Some programmes have one main deadline, while others have different dates for EU and non-EU applicants. Always check the university admissions page and the official immigration authority for visa and residence rules.

How universities find candidates

Admissions offices and programme teams often search for students in public applicant databases and student registers. They usually look for a match between your field of interest, your education, your language level, and the documents you upload.

To improve your chances of being found, keep your profile clear and specific:

• Write the exact field you want to study, such as international relations, political science, or international studies.
• Add your highest completed education and your country.
• State your English or German level honestly.
• Upload documents that are ready to review.
• Keep your contact details current.

Being visible does not mean you will be admitted. It only helps universities contact you first when they are looking for students like you.

Common questions

Do I need German to study international relations in Austria?

Not always. Some programmes are taught in English, especially at master’s level. But German is still very useful for daily life, part-time work, and some university services.

Can I apply if my previous degree is in another subject?

Maybe. Some master’s programmes accept related subjects, but they may want specific coursework in politics, law, economics, or social sciences. Check the programme page.

How do I know the fees and visa rules are current?

Use the university’s admissions page for fees and the official Austrian immigration authority or embassy website for visa and residence permit rules.

How Eduuro helps

Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.

You stay in control, and you can compare interest from different universities before you decide what to do next.